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Rambles About Amherst .■ 



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IMSrOKI.AL ANI. OKS.UI PTI VK SKKITH OK 1 H K I., UN, U 11. 1 KXIRX,-,- 
FROM AHE WRITINGS OK JAMKS l-AKTON, I'OINTS nV I M l- |; KST 
IN AND ABOUT AMHERST ; ALSO DKSCKI IT Io\ s m| 
SOME OK THE^MANV INIEKKST- 
INC DRIVES. 



By William B. Botch. 



WITH MAP OF THE ffnu/WA VS. 



AMHfil<ST, \. ri. 

farmers' CAKINET I'KKS.s. 

i8yo. 






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NOTE. 

Ill imMisliiiiLj- tliis littU- skt'tch I have iidt ainit'd ;it le- 
lordiiig history, only to group together some ol the inter- 
esting facts which pertain to Amherst and vicinity, tliat 
they may be more readily accessible to the stranger and 
those desirous of gaining a better acquaintance with the 
liistoric town. The prejiaiation and }irintiiig of this little 
volume has occupied only such time as I could spare from 
my regular work, which will, in part, jjcrhaps. account for 
its fragmentary a[)i)earance. 

The greatest compensation which I expect to icceive for 
the labor and expense involved, has been idready attaiiu<l, 
in the satisfaction of a better ac(piaintaii(e with my native 
town and an increased love for her "dells and liills. her 
rocks and rills." 

Hoping that those who could have <lonc this work so 
much better will be kind in their criticisms. I ani 

Respectfully Yours, 

W. r.. KOTCJI. 



Rambles About Amherst : 



CHAPTER I. 



HISTORICAL. 



Amherst ( Souliegau West ) was early the home of the 
Nanagansett tril)e of Indians. The original grant from 
the Massachusetts General Court to the early settlers in- 
cluded the townships of Milford and Mont Vernon, and ;i 
portion of Merrimack. It was incorporated as a town on 
the 18th of January, 17>30, and one of tlie early incorporated 
towns in New Hampshire. It received its name from (Gen- 
eral Jafifrey Amherst, Commander of the l^ritish forces in 
North America. 

Early written history records the many hardships under- 
gone by these settlers in subduing the elements, laying low 
the pfiants of the foiest and making the land habitable. 



6 RAMBLES ABOUT AMHERST. 

In 1794, the inhabitants of that part of Amherst known 
ax the ''Sonth West Parish," having increased to such pro- 
portions as would seem to warrant it, petitioned to tlie 
(xeneral Court to be disconnected from the township of 
Amherst, and incorporated as the town of Milford, wliicli 
request Avas granted, inchiding a tract of Lmd from the 
townsliip of HoUis. 

In 1808, the "Second Parish,'' hicated upon the elevatio]i 
nortliwesterly of Andierst, i)etitioned to the (xeneral Cmirt 
to be set off as a separate township, whicli request, as in 
the previous instance was granted, and the town of Mont 
Vernon was in;',orporated. 

F'or fifty years following the discoiniection of tliese two 
towns Amherst was in the hey-day of its prosperity, and 
by far the most important place in tliis sectii^n of the State. 
It was tlie shire town and all of the courts were 
held here, and many public gatherings of mucli importance. 
The largest population Andierst ever had was before the 
town was divided. The census of 1790 shew a population 
of 2,896. In 1820 the inhabitants numbered 1,622. The 
village contained about 60 dwellings, a meeting - house, 
school liouse, two taverns, court house, jail, printing-office, 
card factory and five stores ; also two law offices. 

In th(\se "good old times" often referred to l)y the grey 
whiskered residents, Amherst did not have its present quiet, 
sleepy appearance of a "deserted village." Tlie frequent ses- 
sions of the court, the annual muster and trainings, the great 
amount of travel to and fro over the turnpike, and its being 
the mailing point to all the surrounding country, sei-ved to 



HAMI'-LKS AI'.Ol'T A^IHEKST. 



make Aiuheist ;i l»iisines.s ctMitiv and liiisy place. Hut these 
(lavs are past. The rii.i>itl,yi(»wth of suriduiidiiiy towns with 
available water privilege-; and hetter railr(»a.d facilities liave 
drawn iqjon its vitality and oreatly detracted from its Imsi- 
uess im])ortance. The courts are no lono'cr held here, and 
the county ottiees are now at Nashuii. Aside from the gen- 
eral aspect of neatness every where noticeahle, we have little 
evidence of the tlii'ift which once ah >unded here. 




MAP OF HIGHWAYS IN AMHERST AND VICINITY. 



C HAPTEK IT. 



DESCKIl'TIVE. 



Amherst, in the County of HilLsl)oroug]i, is 4S miles 
iioithAvest of Boston, 11 miles northwest of Xashmi and 12 
miles southwest of Manchester. It is located on the Boston 
and LoAvell division of the Boston and Maine Railroad, and 
one hour and forty-eight minutes' ride from Boston. Pas- 
sengers taking the cars at the old Boston and Lowell pas- 
senger station on CauseAvav street, find the ride to Andierst 
a most delightful one and the time passes altogether too 
quickly. From Lowell to Nashua the train skirts along 
the banks of the Merrimack river, of Avhichmost delightful 
views can be had, and now and then glimpses of mountains 
and hills in the distance. Arriving at Amherst-station ac- 
commodations are found to convey passengers in either direc- 
tion — to Hotel Ponemah, located one mile south, or to the 
village, three miles to the north. Reaching the village, 
stables Avill be found well equipped Avith conveniences for 
carrying i)assengers or parties to houses located at a distance 



10 



KAMRLKS ABOUT AMHERST. 



or to jjoiuts of iiitere'^t, in and about the town. Amherst 
village, whieh is one of the most heautiful i]i the state, is 
located upon a plain of about one half mile in extent, sur- 
rounded by hills, and is thought l)y many to have once 
been tlie bed of a lake, whose waters found an outlet 
throuo-h Heaver lirook, now familiarly known as "Quoquin- 
napassakessananagnog," tlie name given by the Indians to 
the lands about the mouth of that brook, three miles below 
the village. 

The village is at once noticeable for its clean, whole- 
some and well kept appearance ; is comprised of about 130 
dwellings, each one of which shows evidence of local pride 
in its owner in making its outwanl ap^iearance pleasant to 
the eye. The streets are ))road with sidewalks, lined with 
shade trees, whose over-reaching branches and thick foliage 
toi'm almost a canopy, and under whose cool shade in the 
hot summer days it is a delight tt) stroll. The soil of the 
•"plain" is a sand}' loam, of not such strength as to insure 
large returns from the efforts of gardening, but of sufficient 
firmness to support a thick mat of grass which everywhere 
softens the landscape and rests the eye. In the village a. 
large tract of land has been neatly fenced in for a public 
common, and thickly set with maple and elm trees, which 
promise in the near future to make this locality a very pop- 
ular resort. Rising from the centre of this common is a flag 
staff of very graceful proportions. 

In addition, the village has three churches, handsome 
brick school house, ample and commodious town hall, which 
furnishes accommodations for the different orders and the 



RAMr.T.?:.s aiu>t;t amukkst. 11 

public library.' cbiipel, en<::^iia' house, kit tartory, saw and 
^rist mill and one })lanino- mill, }»riutino- ofHice. l»esides 
five stores and a haiiit'ss-sli(»|). "^Fhere is no publi<' liouse 
in the village at present, tire destroyinn' in lS7(i tlie com- 
modious hotel built by the citizens and which (buiuti- i'^ 
brief existence was the pride of the toA\ii. The way-farer 
has notrouble, howevei', in tindiiiyMlesirable acconnnodatioiis 
under the hospitable roofs of the several pi-ivate houses 
whose proprietors o[)en their doors to unoljjtM-tionable 
persons. A soldiers' UKtiiument graces a centialpctint in the 
village, and attests to the sacredness with which the citizens 
hold in memory the deeds of the soldiers in the late v\ai . 
There are other points of interest in the village, not the 
least among which is the old burying ground near tlie town 
liouse, the old jail, long out of use, of wliich we shall sity 
more later. 

From the hills which surround the village charmi)ig and 
extensive views of the surrounding country can be had. 
"Chestnut Hills" to the north is the highest prominence : 
"Christian Hill" in the west, so named from the niiml>er of 
active church members and othcers it has furnished in past 
days ; "David's Hill" in the s(»utli, uji which winds an en- 
chanting lane, is well wortliy a climb, in repay for which a 
beautiful vicAV of the village may be had, nestling down in 
its quiet repose among the tiees below, the chuivh si»ii-es 
(mly rising above their tops, and the white houses hardly 
visible through the dense foliage. "Walnut Hill" in the 
east is noticeable from all points for its symmetrical })ropor- 
tions. From eitlier of tliese elevations named, high moun- 



12 RAMBLES ABOUT AMHERST. 

tains ill the di.stance appear to one's gaze, which, with the 
intervening valleys, furnish a panoramic scene of rare 
extent, beauty and granduer. Before continumgtliis sketch 
and describing the character of the country adjacent 
to the village, with its attractive drives and many points 
of interest and note, 1 will give place to the graphic dis- 
eription of -James Parton, Horace Greeley's biogiapher, who, 
in the interest of his friend and patron, once visited this 
town and the early home of Greeley. With a little change 
his words would be as applicable to-day as at the time they 
were written, many years ago : — 

"•Tha village of Amherst is a pleasant place. Seen from 
the summit of a distant hill, it is a white dot in the middle 
of a level plain, encircled by cultivated and gently sloping 
hills. On a near approach the traveller perceives that it is 
a cluster of white houses, looking as if they had alighted 
among the trees and might take wing again. On enter- 
ing it he finds himself in a very pretty village, built round 
an ample green, and shaded by lofty trees. It contains three 
churches, a j^rinting office, a court house, a jail, a half dozen 
stores, an exceedingly minute watch maker's shop and a 
hundred private houses. There is not a human V)eing to be 
seen, not a sound to be heard, except the twittering of the 
birds overhead, and the distant whistle of a locomotive, 
which in those remote legions serves to make the silence 
audible. The utter silence and deserted aspect of the older 
villages in New England are remarkable. In the morning 
and evening there is some appearance of life in Amherst ; 
but in the hours of the day, when the men are at work, the 



i;ami?les ahott amhki:st. 



1:5 



M'oinen ])usy with tlieir household affairs, and the chihlreii 
at se-liool, the visitor may sit at the ^^■ilido^v of the villam- 
tavern for an hour at a time and not see a livino' creature. 
Oceasionally a pedler, \vith sleigh bells lound his horse, goes 




HIHTHPLACE OF HOliACE (MIEELEV, 
Founder of the N. V. Tribitiic. 

jiugling hy. Occasionally a farmer's wagon drives up to one 
of the stores. Occasionally a stage, rocking in its leather 
suspenders, stops at the post office for a moment, and then 



14 KAMHLES ABOUT AMHKltST. 

rocks away again. Occasionally a doctor passes in a very 
antiquated gig. Occasionally a cock crows, as though it 
was tired of the dead silence. A New York village, a (quar- 
ter the size and wealth of Amherst, makes twice its noise 
and l)ustle. Fcn'ty years ago, however, when Horace Gree- 
ley used to come to tlie stores there, it wa^. a place of some- 
what more importance and more business thiin it is now, 
for Manchester and Nashua have absorbed many of the lit- 
tle streams of tratitic which used to flow toward the county 
town. It is a curious evidence of the stationary character 
of the place, tliat the village paper which liad fifteen hundred 
subscril)ers when Horace Greeley was three years old, and 
learned to i-ead from it, has fifteen hundred subscribers and 
no more at this moment. It bears the same name it did 
then, is published l)y the same })erson, and adlieres to the 
same party." 

The township of Andierst contains aljout eight scpiare 
miles of better land than the average land of New Enoiand. 
Wheat cannot l)e grown on it to advantage, but it yields 
fair returns of rye, oats, })otatoes, Indian corn, and young- 
men ; the last named of which commodities forms the chief 
article of export. The farmers have to contend with hills, 
rocks, stones innumerable, sand, marsh and long winters; 
tmt a hundred years of tillage have subdued these obstacles 
in part, and the peojjle generally enjoy a safe and moderate 
prosperity. Yet, severe is their toil. To see them plough- 
ing along the sides of those steep rfxtky hills, the plough 
creaking, the oxen groaning, the little boy driver leaping 



i:ami5Les Ai'.orT amhei:st. lo 

t'loiii s(i(l to sod, as ail Al})iiu' l»oy is supposed to leap iVoiu 
crag to era u', the ploughman wreiiehing the plough round 
the rocks, hoy ;uid man every minute or two uniting in a 
prolonged and agonizing yell for the panting beasts to stop, 
M'heii the plough is eaught by a hidden roek too large for it 
to o^•erturn, and the solemn slowness with which the pro- 
cession winds, creaks and groans along, gives the languid 
citizen, who chances to pass hy, a new idea of hard work, 
and a dcw sense of the happiness of his lot. '" 

If Mr. Parton should revisit Amherst to-day, he would 
see little change in the general appearance of the place. 
Time luis worked great changes in the people. Thirty years 
have wrought changes in nearly every household. They 
have also l)rought about changes in the mode of ()[)erating 
the farms. In place of the slow moving ox teams he 
would find a pair of horses draAving a sulky plow, and 
other improved machinery lessening the hardships of 
the farmer's life. ( )ur farmers have not l)een slow in a(lo})t- 
ing im})roved methods of tilling the soil, and we. believe 
that the pecuniary returns from their labor is more satisfac- 
tory than formerly. The raising of cereals and potatoes 
for the market, in large quantities, has Ijeen superseded l)y 
l)utter making and milk producing, and the large intervale 
farms are now nearly entirely given to the latter industry, 
a read}- market being found for milk at the R. R. station, 
where it is daily collected and thence transported to Boston. 

Lakes and Stkeams. — Babboosic lake, so named by 
tlie Indians once dwelling upon its shores, is located about 



16 



RAMBLES ABOUT AMHEKST. 



tliree miles north easterly of the village : it ahouiuls in tisli. 
Little Babboosie pond is connected with the lake of larger 
size by a small brook. Jo English pond is located partly 
in Amherst, Mt. Vernon, and New Boston. Damon's pond. 




SOLDI i:i; S >[ON['MENT. 

KRECTED IN 187I. 



a small sheet of water, is located in the north east })art of 
the town and Stearns's pond or more familiarly known as 
''Honey Pot pond'' is situated in the south part of the town. 
All of these ponds contain fish to gi'eater or les^ extent, but 



RA^IBLES ABOUT AMHEKST. 17 

none of them, witli the exception of Babboosic, have ever 
been stocked with fry. 

Souliegan river crosses the southerly portion oi the town, 
and is spanned by two carriage Inidges. Into it flows 
Beaver Brook, which traverses the whole length of the town, 
starting on its course in Mont Vernon. Babboosic brook 
starts from Jo English jxtnd. runs through the northerly 
part of Andierst, through Bedford, and empties into the 
Souhegan river at Merrimack. In the trout season these 
brooks furnisli good tishing groiind. (xranite abounds^ 
and (juarries are operated, which yield a very tine quality 
of stone. Limestone has been found in some parts of the 
town, and iron ore exists in small (quantities. Some rare 
minerals and crystals have been found near the Bedford 
line, but are not so plenty as to attract many searchei-s. 
White pine is the principal timber growth. Chestnut trees 
abound and when loaded with nuts, a sharp rivalry oc- 
curs between the small boy and the squirrel to see who 
shall gather the most. Oak, somewhat i-are in other sec- 
tions, grows abundantly here. Game is not as plenty as 
in former times, yet the skilful hunter will not lack for 
sport in hunting the grey squirrel, and partridge in their 
season. Coons are also found in the swamps and on the 
mountains. 

A mineral spring in the east part of the town, about tw<:) 
miles from the village, has some renown for its medicinal 
properties. Also a spring located near the highway from 
Amherst to Mont Vernon, is noticeable for the large amount 
of soda the water contains. There are many other points 



18 



RAMBLES ABOUT A:\IHEKST. 



v.iiieli will aj>j)e:il to the vLsitor with equ;il interest as tho.se 
alieadv named. 



TS,^ 










-v^'":^ti£,a^iL}ix^?c;, 



CpXGEEGATIOXAL CHURCH. 



Amherst is emjjhatieally a fiehl fo]' artists, al)Oundingin 
tliose little "liits'" of natiiial beauty, of wooded drives, 
shad}' nooks and cool retreats, which relieve the monotony 
of a less broken country. Whoever brings a camera here 



KAMBL?:S AIJOUT AMHERST. 1^^* 

lias no difficulty in tiudiiii;' the desired oppoitiiiiily tor the 
exercise of his art. Almost everything desired by the 
artist can be found. The hay-maker in the field, the boat 
upon the hike, the cows o-razing upon the hills, winding 
road- ways, lights and sha(h)ws through the trees, deej) 
glens, rustic scenes and expansive views, ean all be obtain- 
ed with but comparatively little effort. 

Again, the intense ([uiet of the })lace and the unobtrusive- 
ness of its inhabitants make it a spot most desirable for 
those seeking complete rest from business cares and anx- 
iety ; while its mail and telephone connections with the out- 
side world help the business man to feel that he has "' an 
eye on his business, " while recruiting his bodily strength 
upon its pure atmos})here. and dieting upon fresh butter, 
milk and cream. It is a noticeable fact that those who once 
visit Amherst return again. Each recurring season finds 
among the new faces here, familiar ones, and the periodical 
return of some of our summer visitors is as regular as the 
the movements of the birds who return each spring to the 
nests tliey deserted in the fall. 

The well kept road-beds, make driving a pleasure. The 
opportunities for boating and fishing, etc., have given the 
tf)wn an increasing prominence among the sunnner resorts 
of the (iranite State. The well kept boarding houses have 
accomodations for a laro-e number of p-uests, l)ut each season 
finds their capacity tested to the fullest extent. 

Common Fi.ow^ers. — Flora has been lavish in her gifts 
here. From earliest Spring to latest Fall, woodland beau- 



20 RAMBLES ABOUT A:SIHEKST. 

ties a])Ouii(l. F'u-st after the soft mouse - tinted and [)ollen- 
tipjjed pussy willows pi-ophesy the coming of the ''merrie 
month of Maie," we fuid the delicate hued hepaticas, pur- 
ple violets and white Cornell. Almost simultaneously with 
these, that universal favorite of New England, the pale, 
pink and white ar1)utus, sweet scented and shy, hiding it- 
self under gray rock and brown leaves, creeping and nest- 
ling lovingly into beds of moss and twining evergreen, — a 
'"'•wee, modest, crimson-ti[)pit flo^^'er.'" Side--iaddle or pitch- 
er plant then I'eddens in the field, t\\in flowers and inno- 
cence, that associate themselves witli designs on the fine, 
soft lawns our grandmotliers A\'ore. peep up. (Iradually 
over the broAvn earth and l)are branches a green mist ap- 
pears, then, with a rush, the world al)out us is a maze of 
bloom and the air is full of Easter incense. Wild cherry, 
dogwood, l)lackl)erry fields, [)eacli and a])})le orchards dress 
tliemselves in Ijridal gaiments of blushing pink and })urest 
white. The sweet breath of the passing breeze dallies 
among the branches, sending bewildering whirls of drifting 
sno^^■ out into the warm June days. It is the romance and 
dream of the year — enchanting, fair and sweet. 

Then follows the joy of graduates, when in great picnic^ 
carts they go in merry groups to gather the mountain lau- 
rel, great mounds of rosy bloom, ^^"hose warm l)luslies re- 
calls the classical legend concerning it. Sturdy, unap- 
preciated clover, red, white and yellow : oxeyed daisies, 
black-eyed-Susans, wild roses, yellow butter - cups and 
plume - like ferns star the grasses and beautify field and 
roadside. Then the chestnuts drop their bunches of strung 



RAMBLES ABOUT AMHERST. 21 

pearls and we feel that the spring l)h)oniing is over. Tlie 
trees grow darker, the foliage more dense and the shadows 
in the Avood deepen. Angust brings the clematis, fairy 
meadow rne and swinging blue bell, the feathery golden rod, 
swaying pink bean, giradias and quantities of heavy eluster- 
ing buck bean. September ushers in whole families of 
starw(n'ts. The corn, tliat through the summer time tilted 
its shining green lances at us, ripens now to yellow, and the 
arnicas try to cheat us into belief of returning s})ring by 
their imitation of dandelions. The air is fraorant with the 
winey odor of ri})ening grapes. October, with magic wand, 
turns the bunch - berries, alders and wax-work scarlet 
and orange. The forests are rich in red, russet, green, 
yellow and brown. Down in the meadow blue gentians 
are found. November comes and the woods are alio-ht with 
the ghostly witchery of the pale hazel bloom. There is a 
bursting of pods and rattling of seeds on the dead leaves, 
and I)eceml)er steps in antl throws his fleecy blanket over 
them and shows with it, foi' background, the delicate vases 
tliat held the seeds with their own peculiar beauty. 



CHAPTER III. 



PERSONAL. 



New Hampshire is renowned for the stnrdy character 
of the men it rears. The boys of the Granite Hills inhahit 
every State in the Union, lending their bone and mnscle 
to the development of new territories, as well as hlling 
positions of honor and prominence in the older States. 
Amherst has fnrnished its fnll qnota of yonng men to this 
great regiment, and there is })robably not a city in the 
States but what has drawn upon its life and partaken of its 
vitality. 

Perhaps no other one of Amherst's sons ever gained 
such fame in the world as Horace (xreeley ; perluips none 
other was entitled to such eminence ; certainly none other 
ever was before the country as candidate for President, 
lint others have gone out from Amherst whose influence 
has been felt throughout the length and breadth of the 
land. To name all those, who, though perhaps not born 
within our territorial lines, yet, s})ent the years here which 
shaped their course through life, would be a task of too 
great magnitude for us at this time, yet we cannot pass 
over this oTound without recallino- a few familiar names. 



IJA^[P.LKS Ar.OUT AMHERST. 23 

There are none left wlio remember William Bieelow, 
who was the tiist editor of the ViLLACiE Messknoeii, and 
afterward ha,d eharfve of the Boston Latin School. Among 
the pnpils of this disting'uished teacher was Hdward Ever- 
ett. 

For many years the name of Atherton was synonymons 
with Amherst. Joshua Atherton was the first of that name 
to settle here. He was an able lawyei' and for sevei'al 
years the State's Attorney General. His son, the Hon. ('has. 
H. Atherton, was also a lawyer of much note, once a ]{ep- 
presentative in Congress, and his son Chas. G. Atherton 
another lawyer of prominence and U. S. Senator. 

Captain Eli Brown, in early life a resident of Amherst, 
afterwards was in charge of the fleet of gunboats on the 
(toast of New Enghmd. 

Joseph C-ushing started the publication of the Fai;mei;s' 
Cabinet in 1802, built the large brick building afterwards 
known as "Cushing's Folly."' Sold Cabinet in 1800 to 
Richard Hoylston, and removed to Baltimore. 

Dr. John Farmer, a, historian of note, spent the early 
years of his life here. 

Prof. James Freeman Dana was a professor of chemistry 
at Dartmouth College. 

Dr. Sanuiel \j. Dana, liis brother was also noted as a 
scientist. 

Gen. Joseph Low was noted far and wide as a military 
character. He was once Mayor of Concord. 

Col. Robert Means, was treasui'cr of the Countv for years 



24 RAMBLES ABOUT AMHERST. 

and was a member of the Senate and Council. 

David McG. Means was a very successful business mm. 

Isaac Spalding and Robert Read were prominent mei- 
cliants here, and the former afterwards at Nashua. By 
his will he bequeathed a legacy of ten thousand dollars 
to the town, for school purposes, to be paid on the decease 
of his widow. 

Among the early pastors of the parish church here, was 
Rev. Nathan Lord, D. D., L. L. D. ; he resided in the house 
now owned and occupied by Mr. John G. Peacock, on the 
turnpike leading from Amherst to Mt. Vernon. He was 
called from his ministry to the Presidency of Dartmouth 
College, which position he aeceptal)ly filled f(n- over thirty 
years. 

The pastor to succeed Rev. Mr. Lord, was Rev. Silas 
Aiken. He was called from his work here to the pulpit of 
Park St. church, Boston, which position he held for twelve 
years and then removed to Vermont. 

The foregoing is but a fragmentary list of the names of 
some of our most honored citizens, all of whom have now 
[)assed to their reward. 

Those which a younger generation will more (quickly as- 
sociate with Amherst, perhaps, are Cam[)l)ell, Dodge, Hap- 
good, Lawrence, Eaton, Davis, David, Abl)ott, Hartshorn, 
Melendy, Boylston, Secombe, Clark, and many others, 
whose names will occur as readily to the reader as to the 
writer. But enough have here been recalled to make the 
sons of Amherst feel proud of their ancestry. 



(irAPTElJ IV. 



POINTS OF IXTEKKST. 



Lake BabboOSiC. 'I'lii^^ beautiful sheet .)f water is 
situated tAvo aud oue-half miles easterly of the village of 
Amherst. Is accessible from all directions by carriage roads. 
The Pond covers an area of about three hundred and 
eighty acres, and the water varies in depth to about thirty 
feet. Its greatest length is two miles and its greatest 
breadth one mile. It has long been a favorite resort for 
boating and fishing, and is much visited by pleasure parties 
and its worthy fame is every year extending. About ten 
years ago it was stocked with black bass by the State Board 
of Fish Commissioners, and fine specimens are now captur- 
ed every season. The waters being fresh and not a slug- 
gish pond, the bass are full of game, varying in size from 
one to five and six pounds. Other fish such as perch, 
al)f»und. Boats for fishinw or rowing can be had at different 
jtoints along the shore. At the east side of the lake 
is a fine grove of pines, underneath whose shade, seats. 



2<; 



KAMHLKS AIJOIT A>!HKI;ST. 



swings, a hand stand and platform for dancing have heen 
hnilt 1)V Mr. Colston, the present proprietor of the i>al)- 
hoosic Ilonse, which is located a short walk back from the 
shore, upon a prominence overlooking the lake. New 
Hamp dure has many jewels in lier crown of natural beauty, 
but few are brighter, f.iirer oi- more beautiful, th'iu Lake 
l>abboosit*. 




w:<i^ 




;< %| 1' »; 







>^'^%//-!^ 




Present Town House, ( Formku court Hoube. ) 

This l)uilding was originally erected for the use of the 



KAMI'.I.KS AliOlT AMHKKST. li i 

I'ounty Courts, which at the time were all here. Many 
exciting seeiies luive transj)ire(l within its historic walls. 
and many distingnislied jurists have here made pleas which 
have helped them on the road to fame and fortune. It was 
not in this building', as is quite generally, but erroneously 
reported, that Daniel Webster, made his maiden argument, 
before Judge Farrar, but in the former court bouse, which 
stood just in front of the site of the dwelling of the hite 
David Kussell. This second court house, where the giants 
of the legal profession, including Webster, Avere wont to 
assemble, is still standing, near the old foundry building. 
(»ccu})ied as a doid)le tenement dwelling house. When 
the county othces and coiuts were removed from Amherst 
the building reverted to the town, since which time re[)aii's 
and enlai'gements have been made, until now it is one of 
tlie most convenient and best appointed town houses in the 
county. The stage was lately enlarged, and a nice set of 
scenery donated to the town by Oscar Shaffer. It has a 
commodious upper and lower hall, a hre }»roof vault. lobl)y. 
and is the repository of the town librar} . 

The Old Jail, ;i!^ it is familiarly ami rightly call- 
ed, having been long out of use, is a })lace of some interest 
to those visiting Amherst village. The first jail built here 
was the west end of the frame Ijuilding connected with the 
stone structure now standing, and built of heavy oak logs, 
erected al)out 1770, and the tirst stone bnildinP' about 1810. 
It formerly had a liigh brick wall around it. Some noted 
criminals have been confined in this old buildiup-. From 



2H 



HAMBLKS ABOUT AMHKItST. 



one of its cells. Farmer the murderer, rode to the scaffold, 
erected near the residence of the late B. B. David. 

Soldiers' Monument. 'I'l^t^ monument which graces 
a central spot in our village, was completed in 1871. The 
(•■ranite base was cut fi'om a bowlder, found on the farm of 



W. 






I icy ' %> "■' 'I 



■^-r^^ 
\^^ 



iv*r>" 



.^^•y- 












fiF^'l -4f 







'>Xji!»«c4*r*!MfiSto'ilifiae#; i*j« ^v_ ^lEaiittaa»-?:stg«.? 



m 



■tM.nmm, 



irESIDENCK OK THE LATE (JEOB.GE KENT. 

Levi J. Second^e, Esq. A Hgure of a soldier, in bionze-t 
holding a nuisket, stands up(>n the granite pedestal, in 



RAMHLES Ar.olT AMHERST. 



■2'.) 



wliicli is inserted a tahlet, bearing the names of thoses en- 
listing from Amlierst in the hite war, who h).st their lives 
defending- the old flag. The cost of this memorial was 
•f 4000. A gift for this purpose hy the late Aaron Lawrence, 
was sup[)lemented 1)V an appropriation fron) the town. 




i^^^^. 



^S;^'?Vi:-J; . " '^^Ai^ 



KKSEDENCK OF THH LATE HOX. H. EATOX. 



The Brick Block, familiarly known as the 'N.ld 
hi'ick" was erected a])out 1800, Ity Mr. Josej)h Cushing. at 



-50 T: AMBLES ABOUT AMHKKST. 

that time }iul>lislifr of tlie Fakmers" Cabinet. wIid purjxts- 
ed to enter extensively into the printing and publishino- 
of books, and with this end in view he erected this luiihling, 
long- afterwards known as "C'ushing's Folly.' He never 
occupied it, for before its completion he hastily removed to 
Baltimore. It lias had numerous owners and more numer- 
ous occupants. The lower story has usually l)een occupied 
as stores, though originally the west side as a tenement. 
I'he upper ones have been used for school-rooms, tenements, 
book bindery, pattern - makers shop, and at one time the 
entire building as an iron foundry. It is owned l)y the 
lieirs of the late Hon. Harrison Eaton, and at present oc- 
cupied as a store, in which is the post-office ; a millinery 
store and a barber shop. It is one of the land marks of 
Amherst. Long may it be spared from tempest or fire, a 
link lietween the })resent and the past. 

Sreeley'S Birthplace. The spot where Horace 
(Treeley first saw the light of day, is about five miles north- 
easterly from Amherst village, on the first highway leading 
to Bedford. The house stands as it was originally built, 
and is owned and occupied as a farm house by Joseph F. 
Hanson. James Parton, in writing of this spot twenty 
years ago said : 

'"The farm owned l^y Zaccheus Greeley Avhen his son 
Horace was born, Avas four or five miles from the village of 
Amherst. It consisted of eighty acres of land — heavy 
land to till — rocky, moist, and uneven, worth then eight 



KAMHLKS AIKUT AMHKKST. .H 

luiiidred (It)llars, now two thousand. The houst'. a snialL 
unpaiiited, but substantial and well-built t'aiin-house, stood 
and still stands, upon a ledge or platform, half way up a 
liigh, steep, and roeky hill, eonunandino- an extensive and 
almost panoramic view of the surrounding country. In 
wliatever direction the boy may have looked, he saw rock. 
I Jock is the feature of the landscape. There is rock in the 
old oi'chards behind the old house ; rocks })eep out from the 
gia>s in the pastures; rock along the road ; rock on the 
side.5 of the hills ; rock on tlieir summits ; rock in the valleys : 
rock in the woods ; rock, rock, everywhere rock. And yet 
the country has not a barren look. I should call it a serious 
looking coiuitry ; one that would be congenial to grim cov- 
enanters and exiled round-heads. Tlic ])revailing colors 
are dark, even in the brightest months of the year. The 
pine woods, tlie rock, the shade of the hill, the color of the 
soil, are all dark and serious. It is a still uidVe(piented 
region. ( )ne may ride along the road upon which tlie 
liouse stantLs, for many a mile, without passing a single 
vehicle. The turtles hobble across the road fearless of the 
crushing wheel. If any one wished to know the full mean- 
ing of the word country, as distinguished from the word 
town, he need do no nioie than ascend the hill on which 
Horace Greeley saw the light, and look around. Such was 
the character of the region in which Horace (xreeley pass- 
ed the greater part of the tirst seven years of his life." 

Amherst Commoa. The large tract of land, which 
is neatly fenced in, and thickly set with shade trees, will. 



H-I 



AMI5LES AHOl'T AMHEUST. 



in tlie near fnture, bci a place of niueli bjanty. The in- 
creased care given to the trees and soil recently, show 
results in increased verdure and foliage. In the fall, the 
maples take on tlie hues of the rainhow. and make it a 
s\)()t of rare brilliani-y. 







h^ 



Bank Building, ResidexckofChas. hichaudson-. 

This building was erected by the Hillsborough I^ank and 
(Uirin<if its short life was used as its bankino- house, and 



i;ami5i.i:s ahoct a.mhkkst. ;;;5 

resi(U'iice' of its casliier. It was also used as a haiikiiiL;- lioiise 
l)y the Fanners' Bank from 1<S:^.") to 1843, The vault or 
safe remains at present, as originally bnilt. The hrick for 
this tine (IwelliniL;- was made upon the Lord [)laee. then 
newly huilt hy C'apt. J-'li lirown. 

Mineral Spring. I^^-'ated one and one half miles 
east of the village in a hcautiful pine grove, near what was 
o:i!-e a trotting park, is a spring Avidely noted for its medi- 
cinal pro[)erties. The water is sought for by those affected 
l»y scrofulous diseases, and is used as a wash as M'ell as 
taken internally, with henelicial lesults. It is so heavy 
with iron as to discolor the banks of the brook into whit-li 
it flows, for a long distance, giving them a redish shade, 
like iron rust. The water is not objectionable to the taste. 

In the geological survey of the State made several yeai's 
ago. this spring was tlie only mineral spring to \\hich at- 
tention was especially called as possessing any very re- 
markable medicinal properties. Dr. .lackson and several 
othei' distinguished chemists have also since analyzed its 
waters, all with the same general results and tending to 
conhrm well known facts in relation to its value. A very 
careful and e\hausti^•e analysis has been made by Prof. 
Uabcock. and from it will be seen, that the water of this 
spring exhibits a comlunation of rare curative agents seldom 
found in a spring in such rich proportions. 

AXALVSIS AND IJESl'LT. 

The water contains in an Imj)erial gallon l").o2 grains of 



Si RA^NIBLES ABOUT AMHKKST. 

juiiiei-al ami organic matter. Tliis consists of tlie follow- 
incr; — 

Carbonate of Lime .... i^.iU^ orains. 
Carbonate of Iron .... 1.80 •> 
Carbonate of Magnesinm . . 1.47 
Carbonate of Sodinm ... 2S *' 

Creiiic Acid 8. 87 "• 

Snlpliate of Lime 1.63 

Sulphate of Potassium .... oo '' 

Chloride of Sodium 87 

Selicia and Alumnia .... 09 

Total ,51. .5 -2 •' 

Free Carbimate Acid undetei'mined. 

.lAMKS F. BAIJCOCK. 

Aiiiilytical atid Consul tiiii:; Cluiiiist. 

Picnic GrrOUndi ^^'^ ^'"^' ^""*' <»wned by tbe town in 
connection with the farm at Andierst Station, is a beautiful 
grove of pines. This grove has Ijeen cleared of all under- 
brusli, seats, i)latform, cook houses and other conveniences' 
arranged for picnicing pai'ties. It is especially well adapted 
for large gatherings, tlie grounds sloping toward the centre, 
forming a natural amphitheatre. Its proximity to tlie lail- 
road station enhances its other conveniences. 

Congregational Church, '^^^^"^ i« the most promi- 
nent edihce that appears to the eye as one passes through 
the village. The building was originally owned by the 
town, and was purchased by the Congregational Society in 
1882 when it was thoroughly repaired and alterations 



i:ami5LKS audit amhekst. -Jo 

madt'. Tlie t(t\vii still (»\\iis the Ik'U aii<l st('('i)]e, and have 
rights in tiie lower story. It was t'oi' many years the 
only phu-e for pnhlie nieetin_^'s in town. 

The first pastor was Kev. Daniel Wilkins. installed in 
1741. He died in 17s:^). The second })astor Avas Kev. 
Jeremiah B.irnard, he died in ]S8.>. The third pastor, 
IJev. Xathan Lord, 1). D.. was settled as colleague 
with Mr. IVaniard, May '28, 181H. He was called to the 
Presidency of Dartmouth College in 1828. The fourth 
pastor Rev. Silas Aiken. 1). D. was settled March 4, 1821). 
He was called to the pastorial care of Park St. church, 
IJoston, in 1887. The fifth pastor Rev. Frederick A. 
A<lauis. Ph. D., was settled Nov. 15, 1837, and dismissed 
Sept. 24, 1840. The sixth pastor was Rev. Wm. T. Savage, 
D. D., settled Feb. 24, 1840, and dismissed April, 4, 1848. 
'J'he seventh pastor Rev. Josiali Gardner Davis, D. D., 
was settled May 22, 1844, and dismissed Jan. 22, 1880. 
The eighth pastor Rev. Willis D. Leland, was settled 
.June 22, 1880, and dismissed May It), 1888. The pres- 
ent pastor, Rev. Alfied J. McGown, w^as settled Dec. 1, 
1885. 

Baptist Church. I'l^i^ house was built about the 
beginning of the century by the Unitarians, and passed in- 
to the hands of the Baptist Society in 1844. The interior 
was recently remodelled and modernized and is now quite 
attractive. This church has had no less than seventeen 
pastors within the half century of its existence, and is at 
present without a [)ermanent supply. 



o6 TJAMI'.LES ABOUT A-MHIJIST. 

The Methodist Chapel \vas dedicated aix.ut is2h. 

Since then until the present the c-hnrcli has been closed 
about one half of the time. It ha-; had several pastors of 
ability, and is at present supj)lied by Rev. Win. Merrill of 
Milford. 

Purgatory Falls, <»h Hutchinson's (iitovK, in :\It. 
Vernon, is a })lace of some note and interest, and is visited 
yearly by thousands. It is about two miles south-west of 
the village. It is a deep ravene, through which flows a small 
stream. The chief attractions are, the canal and its outlet, 
the '^Devil's Beau Pot," in the ledge, and the imprint of a 
human foot iml)edded in the rock, the wash boilei- and tub, 
a stocking, cups and saucers, etc. J t is a fine sight when 
the canal is nearly tilled witli water, to see it rushing and 
foaming to the gulf, and then falling forty feet to the 
rocks below. The grove contains a doul)le bowling ally, 
band stand and dancing flooi-. The annual basket })icnic 
here has become an institution. 

Prospect Hill, ^" Mont W^mon, is a point nuuh vis- 
ited l)y guests at the summer boarding houses, and by 
many others, every season. A carriage road to the summit 
makes the highest point easily accessible. It is best des- 
cribed by Prof. Bancroft, of Phillips Academy : 

"To the south is seen Mt. Wachusett in Princeton, Mass. ; Watatic in 
Ashby and Ashburnham ; Barrett, Kidder and Flat Mts. in New Ipswich ; 
the Temple, Peterboro' and Lyndeboro' ranges throughout their whole ex- 
tent, of which Piscataquog lies almost exactly south-west ; Crotchet Mt. rises 
beyond the village of Francestown, with the symmetrical cone of Lovell's 



UAMP.LKS AP.orr AMHERST. o< 

Mt. still further to the north. Kearsarge is seen on the distant horizon 
towards the north, flanked right and left by the Black Mts., Mission Ridge, 
the Mink Hills and Stewart Peak. A little east of north, only a few miles 
distant, the rounded summit of Joe English beetles towards the .south. 
'I'urning to tlie right, Roby Hill, the lesser Oncanoonuc and the greater 
Oncanoonuc are seen, and, far beyond, the chimneys and spires of Manches- 
ter, Mt. i'awtuckawa, .Saddle Back, and McCoy's in Nottingham and Allen.s- 
tovvn. The view to the east and .south-east is of a wide expanse of rolling 
country, doited with villages and farms, with church spires and the buildings 
of the great manufactories of Nashua and Lowell. At your feet nestles the 
village of Amherst, and the turret of Hotel Ponemah appears above the 
forest beyond. In the Autumn mornings, the lines of fog mark the valleys 
of the Merrimack, the Nashua and the Souhegan. Thus in three quadrants 
of the horizon are noble mountains, near and far, solitary peaks and massive 
ranges, while the fourth quadrant presents a plain, stretching as far as the 
eye can reach, diversified by dwellings, farms, forests and streams. 

Hotel Ponemah, 'J'lii-^ house is the leading suunuer 
ivsort in this vicinity. It is h)cate(l at the celebrated Mil- 
ford Springs, about one and one half miles from Milford 
village, and reached from Amherst Station, hy coaches from 
the hotel, running to meet each train, in a pleasant drive 
of about one mile. The health giving pro])erties of its 
waters are widely known, and the hotel, with its large 
I'ooms and cheerful tire places, Jlnd broad piazzas extending 
entirely around the house, is fast becoming equally famous. 
From the tower which surmounts the house an extensive 
view of the surrounding country is ol)tained, and by ascend- 
ing ''Mount Pisgah," neai- the house, a still greater ex[)ansc 
of country is seen. A correspondent of the Boston Post 
writes as follows of Hotel Ponemah and its surrt)undings :— 



•^H TtA]MBLP:S ABOUT AMHiJtST. 

"The charms of this most delightfully situated hotel are already well 
known, its first three seasons being under the excellent care of Mr. Gleason 
of the Victoria, and conducted last summer very successfully and with well 
filled house by Mr. D. S. T'lunimer, its present proprietor. The great height 
of land, the superb width of view, the variety of mineral springs directly on 
the place, and the number of interesting drives makej it a most desirable 
summer resort. Beautiful woods lie behind the house, where mountain 
laurel blooms abundantly in June, and the pure, delicious air cai.not fail to 
improve health and strength. The spacious rooms, wide piazzas and open 
fire-places are attractive features, ancl when the access of simply two hours 
from Boston is mentioned there seems little to be added. A list of mountains 
to be seen from Hotel Ponemah was recently handed me, from which I 
quote verbatim : "To the north are seen Mt. V'ernon, Joe English in New 
Boston, the (loffstown mountain. Crotchet mountain in Francestown, and 
on a clear day Mooselauk, Kearsarge, Sunapee and other mountains farther 
north. On the east may be seen the Blue Hills, running through Rochester, 
Barrington and Nottingham, including Chocorua, Ossipee, Saddleback, Ten- 
eriffe, Pawtuckaway, and others, also Agamenticus on the borders of Maine. 
I'rom the elevated lands to the west of the house, the Lyndeborough, Tem- 
ple and tireenfield mountains are visible, with lofty Monadnock and the 
range extending through central Massachusetts." 

The following interesting account of tlie discovery (»f 
Milford Mineral S|>iings, we take from tlie Farmers' Cab- 
inet, of the date of December 5th, 1818. The story is 
corrol)orated by several similar accounts published in other 
[japers of about that date : — 

Mr. Boylstoii : 

My son, Willie Sargent, was taken sick in February last of a consump- 
tion, and continued in a gradual decline till the 19th of August, when he died. 
On Mdndny the 13th of July, he fell alseep in the forenoon, and had a dream 
or vision, in which he saw a man standing by a rock in a piece of woodland 
near my house, w ho told him there was a spring where he stood, under 
ground, the water of which by drinking, would cure a consumption On the 
next night he again dreamed of seeing the man in the same place, who told 
him as before of the spring. And again on the night of the 8th of August he 
the third time had the same vision, and the man repeated the assurance of 
there being a spring where he stood; and of its being a cure for the consump- 
tion. He also said his name was Gabriel. He did not tell my son the water 
would cuie him in particular, nor did Willie expect it would, but said it would 
help others, aud was very anxious to have it found. Some persons dug at 



HAMllLHS AIJOI'T A.MUKKST. 3<) 

some dlstaiiL-e from the rock, and found a spring of waler uf clayey appear- 
ance, which would not settle clear, ete , and which has been represented as 
the spring described by the iii in; but my son sai 1 it could not be in the right 
place, nor was the water such as he expected to find it. He wished to be car- 
ried to the ground that he might point out the spot where he was told the 
sprini;; lay. Accordingly, on the Monday following his last dream, we carried 
him on to tho ground, it being about 7o rods from my house, and he readily 
showed us the rock by which the man stood, he being well ac(|uaintee with 
the place. He directed us t<> dig by the side of the rock, which was done to 
the depth of 7 feet; but from the appearance of the ground and the extreme 
dryness of the season there was not the least indication of water, and we gave 
up the undertaking. 15ut he \ias nut satisfied and continued anxious about 
it. till the hour of his death, being fully persuaded such a spring would be 
found. After hi.s death I procured a person acquainted in using the mineral 
rod, who, on trying his instruments, decided on the very spot where we had 
before dug, as directed by my son, and foretold by the man in his dream. 
After digging .-ibout three feet deeper than before, we indeed came to a 
s|)ring, which flowed freely, and on being stoned up contains water several 
feet deep. This water is perfectly clear. It has been drank by a great many 
people. On .some it has operated as an emetic, on others differently, and on 
others again it has no sensiljle eftect. A number ot invalids have resorted 
ti) it, and i7i some cases thej have thought thev found relief. 

EBENEZER SARGENT. 

Bedford Ravine, (Ou i)evil\sPulfit.) tiu.s mo.st 

wonderful natural curio.sity, which attracts many visitors 
each summer, is situated in Bedford, and can be reached 
from Amherst hy a drive of al)out 5 miles, which takes one 
hy thedreeley house, or, by a moie circutious route, by Avav 
of "Chestnut Hills." It is only within a few years that 
this strange freak of nature has been accessil)le without a 
fatiguing walk of a mile or more. But since the road-way 
was com[)leted by Mr. French, upon whose land this wonder- 
ful chasm is situated, this place has gained a much wider 
renown. It is doul)tless unparelled in this section of New 
England. A [)en picture would utterly fail to describe 
the wildness of this spot. It has the a})peai'ance of an 



40 



RAMBLES AI50UT AMHEKST. 



''uiiiiiiished corner" of the world. The time to visit 
it is in the Sprincr, or after a great storm, when the 
brook that courses tlirough it is filled with water, and goes 
dashinir and foamino- over the rocks and falling' a o-reat 







r wi'^m.^ ^a* 




RESIDENCE OE THE F.ATE B. B. DAVID. 



distance to the gulf below. 'File "freaks" which have been 
named, and the imaginative visitor can discover many more 
to which lie can appl)' the name that most readily suggests 



RAMHLKS AliOlT AMHEIiST. 41 

itself, and prolniljly w itli «M}niil appropriateness, are these : 
The "churn,'' "bed-rooni, witli chamber above," "'elephant's 
head," "Indian stairwiiy," "bottomless pit," "fallen rocks," 
"arch," "oven," "])oiling- pot," "devil's foot prints," and the 
"well." This is a very interesting place and no one visit- 
inij;- in its vicinity sliould I'ctuni without seeing it. 

Barnes' Falls. 'I^l'i^ tail is situated in a secluded 
spot al)(>ul two miles al)ove Wilton, nine miles fi'om Am- 
herst. It is reached l)y a rough pathway branching from 
the main road, leading over httle steep hills until one sud- 
denly tiuds himself on the j)lateau of the greater hill of 
which these form the stairs. Teams are left here and the 
Held to the left traversed and the roar of the trembling water 
comes to the ear. I lere we tind the fall, a sti'cani which 
has a descent of about tifty feet, width of perhaps twenty 
between its l);udcs, u[)on whicli ferns cluster and slu'ubs 
IxMid and di[). It is wild, beautiful and comparatively 
little known. 

The First Jail. That King Cieorge the Third had a 
jail in Amherst is satisfactorily established, and that it was 
within the present dwelling of William llhodes, one-half 
mile below the village, then the residence of Col. Robert 
Heed. (See Hilsborough County Congress ]). 46.) That 
it was not very secure is equally evident, as the Court of 
(leneral Sessions, October, 1772, authorized the Shei'iff to 
employ a guard of four men to prevent esca[)e of prisoners. 
In 1778 the place was purchased by Joshua .Vtherton, Hs(j. 



42 



I;A>I]?LES AiiOTT AMHEKST, 



which may account for t\w fact that he, a;i(l other political 
prisoners from this county, were incarcerated at Exeter 
until tlie completion of the new jail. 




RESIDENCE OF KEV. DR. DAVIS. 



This })hice is of more than passing interest, mtt only 
because of its present appeai'ance, located as it is under- 
ueath the shadowing brandies of several majestic ehus, 
together with the fact of its beiug for so many years the 



KA.MIU.KS AUOl r AMIIKIIST. 4--J 

residence of Dr. Muttliias Spalding-. l»ut to this is added 
the interesting eireiuiistanee that within its walls wert; 
held the tirst nxeetinys of Benevolent Lodye l^\ and A. M. 
oioani/.ed here in 171*7. and removed to Milford in 182(i. 
Samuel D.ina \va > the lirst \\'orsliij)ful Master of this lodge. 

Organizations. Soihwjan (Jkanck, No. lO Patrons 
of Husltandrv. ()rt4anized here December 5, l87->. with 
sixteen eliai'ter meml)ers, and is now one of the laroest and 
most Honrishino- ({ranges in the State. It ludds its regnlai- 
meetings for (Irange work, the discussion of to[»it-s of in- 
terest to firmers, and literary exercises, on the ThursdaA' on 
or preceeding the full of the moon, aud the second Thurs- 
day following, 

ChaS. H. Ph ELI'S Post, (J. A. J{. Was instituted here 
•luly 10th, 1870. Jo8e})h B. Fay was its first Commander. 
Meetings are held monthly, on Saturday evening. 

rxiTKi) OuDEK of the (JoLDEN Citoss. Instituted July 
1, 1881, with twenty-seven charter members. A co-opera- 
tive life insurance order, paying a weekly sick benefit and 
j)ledging nuitual [aotection in health and sickness to its 
mend)ers. ( )f'ticers elected semi-annually. Members now 
number seventy-five. Meets semi-monthly, on Wednesday 
evenings. 

Anchok LoiMiE, Okdek of ^Gis. Instituted Aug. 2(!, 
1889 with twenty-two charter members, b\- C'has. 11. Robin- 



44 IJATMBLES ABf)l"T AMHEItST. 

s( in, of Lynn, Mass. A cf)-operative insurance order. Meets 
semi-monthly, on Tuesday evening. 

Chas. H. Phelps AVomax's Relief Corps, was or- 
ganized soon after the Post. For a time the charter 
was given up. It was re-organized Dec. 3, 1889, and is 
now in a flourishing condition with a hirge membership. 
Its meetings are hekl semi-monthly, on Saturday evening. 

Town Library, ^ii-s. E. M. Buknham, LibrariaiL 
Whatever Amherst may h^ck in social and educational ad- 
vantages is in a measiue com})ensated hy a well selected, 
andli])erally patronized library. Under the careful and ju- 
dicious supervision of Rev. Dr. Davis, who has served for 
ten years as chairman of the Board of Trustees, the library 
as a ])ublic institution has yearl}' grown in popular favor 
and patronage. It now comprises two thousand volumes, 
embracing Avorks of history, poetry, biography, fiction, and 
some valuable books of reference. The library is located 
in the town house, in a room used in conjunction with the 
Selectmen for their business meetings. The present quar- 
ters are poorly adapted for its use, and it is sincerely hoped 
that in the near future some plan may be devised, either 
l)y the town, or suggested b}* some philanthropic disposed 
[)erson, l)y which the librar}' can have separate apartments, 
or, better still, a building entirely devoted to its use. The 
library rooms are open to the public twice each week, on 
Saturday afternoon and Thursday evening. 



RAMBLES Al'.OlT AMHKltST. 4-') 

Tlu' fiillowiug extract, slmwiiio- tlu' iiu'e[)tioii aiul gnAvlh 
nf this iiistitntidii, is taken from a late repoit of the lihraiy 
Trustees : 

'•March It. IS.V.i. at a little o-atheriiig- at the residence of 
William Wetherhee, Esq., it was proposed that there he a 
society formed for the purpose of meeting- together fiom 
time to time and purchasing hooks to he circulated among- 
the nuMuhers (>f the society." 

Such is the modest record of the movement out of \\hicli 
grew the organization of the Amherst Lihrary Association. 
Among the most active of the early memhers of tliis Socie- 
ty, we find the names of Mrs. P. W. Jones and sister Mrs. 
M. M. Peaslee. Dea. P,. P.. David. David Stewart. Lucy W. 
I'dunt. J. P>. Fay, C. P>. Tuttle, C'atiiraine Roylston. Eliza- 
heth Wilkins, Dr. F. P. Fitch, Jonathan Knight, all of whom 
have deceased, Messrs. Hapgood and Ahbott, E. S. Cutter, 
Esq., Wm. A. Mack, John F. Whiting. ^Nhiiy D. Mooie, 
now Mrs. French, who have removed from town and a few 
others who are still living to Avitness the fruits of this praise- 
wortliy undertaking. 

The plan ripened into fruitfulness by the adoption of a 
constitution, and by-laws, for ''the establishing of a miscel- 
laneous Library of useful books." The initiation fee was 
twenty -five cents at first, with a monthly payment of ten 
cents. The payment for membership was sulisecpiently ad- 
vanced to fifty cents, and some literary entertainments were 
provided by which to enlarge the funds of the Asst)ciation. 
The money so raised was expended in the purchase of 



4«) KAMBy.ES AHtUT AMHEIIST. 

books and tlie colltM-ton was jjlai-ed in cliarL^e of some me- 
t'lianic or sliopkee[)er in the village whose place of business 
was easy of access. We notice the names of Stevens, 
]{nssell. Merrill, Few and ^^^alker as libiarians, the oflfice 
involved continued caie and the compensation was small. 
Tlie position was not coveted and the Library had a })ei'i- 
])atetic life. The org-anization was fluctuating in its mem- 
berhip by reascui of the inevitable changes in the conimnn- 
ity and at times the Society was near dissolution. Hut the 
Library had alreadv demonstrated its ])eneticent uses and 
and its tViends were iduscd to prevent its waste or disj)ei'- 
sion. 

In 1<S7<> a special effoit was ma.de to revive the Associa- 
tion: a large aihlition was made to the membersliip : the con- 
stitution was revised : tlie mcmbershi}) fee was raised to one 
dollar and regular meetings successfully instituted. A 
catalogue was jirepared and printed containing 427 titles. 
The year following tlu^ Selectmen granted the use of the 
})etit jury I'oom as a depository for the Library and the 
Executive ("onunittee em[)loyed Mrs. L. AL Burnham as 
Librai-ian. 'Ilie I'oom was opened every Saturday P. ^L foi- 
theacconnno(lation of its pati'ons. New books were j)urchas- 
ed, an additional book case, })resented by Miss Sarah Law- 
rence, made the collection more attractive. The circulation 
Avas very much enlarged: many volumes wei-e loaned to 
persons imt enrolled with the organization. Cienerous con- 
ti'ibutions in books were made by Mrs, ("onant. Miss L. F. 
I'ovlston and other friends of the histitution. 



KAMhl-KS Ar.nir AMUKKST. 47 

In lST->. j)i(ivisi(»ii was iiiadi^ for iiicoi'p.: atiii!4" tlir Asso- 
ciation under tlie (n'lieial Stiitutes. To meet tlie increasinL,'- 
ex[)enses the nieniluMs suhmitted to sueeessive annual as- 
se-;suients. Meanwhile the Lil)i'ary was IxTonung nioi'e 
widely known, and its advantages as an auxilliary to the 
system of puhlie instruction were generally recognized. 
A sentiment gradually gained currency that the hooks 
should he accessihle to all classes of our citizens and that 
th.' t >>vn might rightfully bear the expense of maintaining 
the Institution. Accordingly in Febuary 1879, the Associ- 
ation a})j)ointed a committee "to see if the town of Am- 
herst will accept and maintain the Library now held by this 
Association and fix on the conditions on which tliis arrange- 
ment shall be canied into effect." 

An article was inserted in the warrant for the Town 
Meeting, viz : — "To see if the town will vote to accept the 
Lihi-arv now held by the Andierst Lil)raiT Association, and 
establish and maintain the same by suitable a[)[)ropriations 
as a Pul)lic Library for the use of tlie citizens of Amherst, 
aggreeablv to the provisions of C'hajjthr 4(1 of the (renei'al 
Statutes of New IIamj)shire. 

The motion to accej)t the Library prevailed and tlie Select- 
men in conjunction with the Superintending School Com- 
mittee, were instructed to make all necessary rides for the 
use and maintenance of the Library The next year, 1880. . 
the ap})ropriation was inci'eased and the Library was placed 
in chai'ge of a Hoai'd of Trustees, an arrangement whicli 
continues in force to this dav. In the ten vears now clos- 



48 t:a?>irlp:s aboit a:\ih eiiAt. 

iiig, the ninnl)er of books has incrfused from 080 vohiiues 
to IToo volumes, 4 books being discarded. Of this large 
addition 719 vohimes have been acquired l)y [auchase and 
oTl volumes, more than one third of the enlargement, 
jiave been the gift of friends. 

In })lacing this sketch of the oi'igin and progress of the 
Librar}' in their Annual Repoit, the trustees are animated 
l)y a desire to keep alive the memory of those w]ni project- 
ed this scheme, and to recognize gratefully the persistent 
zeal with which their successors have cherished and jter- 
fected the enterprise. The usefuhiess of the Library is ac- 
knowledged b}' all, and the frequent generous donations of 
books, by which its shelves have been enriched, illustrate 
the esteem in Avhich it is held by those who hne the to^^"n." 



lilAPTKR V. 



SOME INTKI;K8TIXCJ DinX'KS. 



AMHEIIST MlNKltAT. SIMMXG AKD ABOt'KD THK POXD. 

The drives about Aiiilierst are many and beautiful, eaeh 
"vvith its own peculiar feature, Avhicli renders it delightful. 

The first, whieli the stranger is usually taken, 
though not the most beautiful, is perhaps as full of interest 
as any. is to the Spring and around the Pond. This road 
to the Spring is level and shaded, lying through woods 
until the s])ot is nearly reached. This Spring lies in a mead- 
o\\\ behind a small grove of large pines, and is approached 
by a path crossing a field, in which runs the nearly effaced 



')0 ItAMHLES ABOUT AMHEKST. 

track <»t' the old race eourse. This Spring is ricli in inni 
solution, and is recoinended quite extensively by local j)hy 
sicians, tor irritations of all sorts, except temper. From 
this point the drive to the pond is not so pretty, thoug'h a 
])leasant oiiuipse of the mountains is obtained. The Lake 
itself is a pretty sheet of water about two miles long and 
one wide. As we sit in a boat in the middle of the Pond 
and watch the water gleaming and dimpling in the cool 
breeze and note the long reflei-tions of the purpling hill >, 
and the glowing skv. we wonder if Elliot gathered his dusk\- 
audieiu-e about him on these shores We wonder as w c 
listen to the mocking echo fling back the bugle call into 
the bugler's lips, if in those times Dame Kcho sent 
back a less musical note, responding to the flerce war cries 
and savage yells, or if it gave a tender re})ly to the song 
of some swarthy lover. 

From the Pond, directly to the village, the drive is short. 
and of no especial interest, except in the meuKny of those 
wdio, on some sunnner's day have replenished their rose jars 
with the spicy odor of old fashoned damask I'oses — the wav- 
side legacy I)e(pieatlied the passer-by. from some old time 
garden. 

Another route, leading u> around the Pond, is l^oth bean- 
tiftd and full of interest. The tirst ])oint, (rraterhill, we 
take })leasure in for two reasons, its lov^ely view of the lake 
and mountains beyond, and because here is the reputed home 
for a time, of one of the nmit g'ifted women of modern time. 
Margaret Fuller Ossoli. It is an old fcishioned house, wdth 



RAMHLKS AliOl'T AMHKItST. 51 

a nionstrous clumney. ( >iit' i)t' tlut.se wide uiontlied eliiin- 
iieys that tells of the cheery craL-kliiig of the open tire, he- 
fore which merry younosters and ha})py oldsters sat and 
crack nuts and roast apples and tell stories. Wliy, one can 
almost smell the odor of the juicy fruit as it sputters and 
sizzles and browns before the heat. The house is fast fall- 
ing- to decay and before very long- another old landmark 
will have disappeared. 

Skirting al;)ng tlie shore of the lake tlie road w iiids 
plea>antly, the sparkling' water glancing, now here, now 
there, through the heavy umbrage of the trees. We pass a 
little low house, set far in from the road. Here Dr. Pa\- 
son, an eminent divine and the father of ^Irs Prentiss is 
said to have lived for a short time — a man so l)eloved and 
saintly, as to make it almost hallowed ground. We also 
l)ass the old Merrimack [)Oo)' farm, now used as a- })rivate 
dwelling. In this vicinity there are two or three good boai-d- 
ivig houses which are filled during the sunnuer months with 
a good class of patronage. We come now out on the Man- 
chester road, following which we arrive shortly at the vil- 
lage. 

oVKi; lUNCKLEE HILL. 

We use always the village as oui- centre, and the roads 
leading away from it as the radii reaching to our desired 
points of interest. This time the spoke of our wheel choscji, 
is that highway leading directly to Amherst Station. Arriv- 
ing at this point, and going a little further, we come to a fork 



52 - l^AMP.LES ABOUT A.MHKltST. 

ill the road. We choose the one leading to the right and keep 
to the right. At the next division we find a tiny bridge 
and hmgh at the ambitions performance of a minatnre Ni- 
agra and find onrselves at tlie foot of the hill. It is a hard 
climb ot" about a half mile in length. When nearly at the 
top there is another disagreement in the highway. The 
road parts company with itself, one side leading to the 
large summer hotel — Hotel Ponemah, and the Milford 
Springs. The turn of the other leading to the sunnnit 
of Duncklee Hill. In the various se isons this hill abounds 
w ith the most beautiful specimens of arbutus, lavirel, golden 
idd and clematis. Arbutus and laurel especiall}" are of 
finer quality and more al)undant here tlian in any other 
place we can recall. 

As we come out upon the open hill top, far ahead of us 
and around us are the hills and the moinitains. The dark 
pine forest deepening the valley, seems to place the moun- 
tains farther away. Away up here where the air blows 
fresh and sweet, the sight of the encircling mountains, the 
clear sunshine and peace make the mind involuntarily turn 
to that other hill country we have been told about in far oft" 
Judea, and Ave think of that encircling Love, and the 
strength of it. Oh, those hills, with the dapi)ling shadows 
of the clouds lifting — shifting — drifting — over them! The 
world IS beautiful — God made it so, and pronounced it 
"'good" — why not go out into the hills and country sides 
and look upon it and let it grow into us more? 

The whole extent of Temple, Peterborough and Lynde- 



IIAMBLES AIJOIT AMHKKST. ;>> 

1h>i-(»" r;i!ii;t's ]iv (liivctly befoie us : Idllu- k-i't. Ml. \\'acluis- 
ett, in I'liiicetdii Mass. W'attatic, in Aslilty, an<l inanv 
dtliers. Down at (»ur tVt't is busy Alii tuid. ( )v('r Iteyond 
the villai^v we can tiace the outline of the Souhegan, hut 
w'e get no gle.im of the water. h)eseen(ling the iiill, we 
come diiecth' into the heart of the lively little town. Here 
we hud all trades aud many t»f the },iotessions fairly Avell 
represented. 

We uass throuo'h the village leaviug the couiuion to 
oui- left, aud cross the stoue biidge ketj^iiiig to the riglit. 
About a half mile out of iMilfoid, we come to a point wliere 
we may make a choice of uays back to Amherst. Oue 
the direct route aud the new higln\ay, the otlier uiore eu- 
ticiug and somewhat h)Uger, leading through a sliady by- 
way, ouce the travelled road bet\\eeu jNlilfoid aud Andieist. 
To follow this last. AAc turn to the righi. and. after crossing 
one road, keep watch along the left for a break in the wall 
where a path, slightly worn is seen, 'iuining in here we 
find oinselves in some ones broad ten acre lot. Here in 
June the ground blackberry is so closely mattted and thick- 
ly blossomed, it looks as if a scurrying flight of snowfiakes 
had fallen there, a little later, and we find thick patches of 
luscious wild strawberries. Later, the glasses grown tall, 
sway in the breezes, their gleaming stems making silvery 
liillows of light across to the shade of the sweet apple tree 
by the wall : wild flowers bloom in the track of the old ditch 
and liere and there black-eyed-Susaus ami meadow ferns 
mingle with the grasses. Golden-rod — tiny gttlden elms, 



54 KyVMBLES ABOUT AMHERST. 

it seeins — ^t^wers above the others. Looking far enough the 
hhwsoniing grasses take a i)urple tinge ; yonch-r they aie 
ri[)er and yell' »\vi-ih : still a hit t'lrther. a stri[> of woods, 
and beyond, the in')untaius. ( )iit of the field, into the door- 
yard of au old deserted h)U>e. We pass that and enter a 
beautiful woodsy road, nearly over-grown with grass and 
low birehes. The trees on either side toueli the wheels and 
t'.ie hi»rse's hoof-; strike with a soft "pud — pud." 

It is very stil'. the sunlight glints through the tliick 
foliage., falling with soft flecks of light on the dead leaves 
and [)ine needles. We hnd here that ghostly little flower — • 
the Indian })ipe. A little further and we strike the other 
"old road" and a-; we descend the hill we get one of the 
hnest views of Amherst village, nestled into the greenery 
of the noble elms. A step or two more and we are beneath 
the shade of tliesc bending (picens of the forest, back again 
into the \illage. 

THi;ou(iH THE -incww" AXi> <)\i;k' cHKsrxrT hills. 

Starting from the village, we follow the .Manchester road 
as far as the bridge, at the foot of the hill, where the road 
branches to right and left. I\ee})ing to the left and straight 
ahead, we pass one or two points of interest i. e. the Isaac 
l)rooks Dodge homestead and the Jones place. The form- 
er is a, [)erfect store house of ancient relics, valuable on 
account of age and the fui'oi'e for such things, and as articles 
of real historic worth. The Jones house, among othei- 



r:A>[HM:s aboit amhkkst. oo 

thing's (|uuintly savoring of "ye olden time.'" contains an 
amount of the Governor Wintlirop furniture. After leav- 
ing tlii-! lanilmirk behind us, tlie road leads through shaded 
ways to the foot of Mack's Hill, where there is one of the 
[)rettie-;t curves, serving as diplomatic introduction to a 
te<li()ns climl) up the steep hill. At tlie toji is the old 
Mack house. The former occupants are prominent citizens 
of I^')well. From liere there is a pleasant view of the village 
and over fui-ther rises tlie smoke from Nashua foiuideries. 
.V few steps further is the Seeomb farm, from which wide 
awake men liave gone to do their share of the wt)]-krs work. 
Leaving the little district school to our left, we enter nioie 
wooded road, and commence a gentle ascent, and come 
sliortly up(Ui a level hill top. Over the crest of the hill 
and we enter what is called the "dugway," the wildest. 
})i'ettiest drive in this vicinity, except that [)ortion of the 
Mt. Vernon road, leading into Purgatory. It is a long 
slope, broken continually by little water sheds. Here 
stands the forest [)rimeva.l, the young growth, tender vine 
and ferrt, all, in tlie fresh green of spring, the sulxlned ver- 
dure of summer time, the heavier coloring of autunni. 
mingled with the delicacy of gray mosses and green cover- 
ed stones. Even in the barren winter season it is lovelv, 
for the evergreen hemhxdvs and [)ines give life and cohu- 
sulhcient. ( )n one side we look down into a narrow vallev 
and the tops of large trees are on a level with tlie e\e. A 
sharj) turn to the right brings us on the valley road, along 
one side of which runs the brook, or, keeping straight on 



58 i; AMBLES AHOUT AMHKRST. 

we niav take another scramble (ner Chestnut Mills. 'Die 
drive over the hill is long and hard 1 tut the air and view 
repay one for the effort. The view is wide and varied — 
villae-e, citv, lake, wood, field and mountain — even into 
the State of Maine the sight can reach — the air of 
bracing and exhilarating quality, is taken in long, deep 
breaths, and treasured in memory and lung, storehouses of 
mind and matter. The descent of the hill is necessarily so 
slowly made that the pleasure of its height is lost gradually, 
and the level home drive has its delight in meado^^• lily 
and tield beauties, no less refreshing in a less ambitious way. 



WALNUT HILL. 

Wahnit Hill in tlie north-east part of the town is wortli 
a visit. The drive to it is pleasant, though in no way re- 
markal)le. But once up on the lower part of the hill, or on 
its summit one is surprised to find a view so wide and beau- 
tiful. There is a carriage road I'unning through the fields 
belonging to Messrs. Whiting and ( )dell, where the cloud 
effects over the valley of the Souhegan and the moun- 
tains beyond are very fine. The near view is particularly 
pleasing. The proximity of the oichards and the corn 
fields and tlie partial heigiit give one a sense of home pro- 
tection and coziness, while the eye travels abroad and takes 
in the pleasure of the distance and Avanders back again to 
the farm houses, and the laden apple trees. There is some- 



nAMHLES AI'.OIT AMHKKsr. .)( 

tiling- truly huimui about an a],)})le tree. It was so even in 
our tirst knowledge of it in the (iaiden of lulen. Alvvaxs 
clustering in families, or standing with individual ])ers()n- 
ality near the home — -with low wide spreading hi-anehes as 
if for loving end)raee. In what other fruit do we feel the 
same sense of pleasure or disappointment so keenly as in 
testing an apple'/ It is akin to our fancy toward new 

friends. How 1 but we digress. From the rioht of the 

load one may leave his horse and make a hard climl) uj) td 
the top of the hill where he will see the pond with its dark 
fringe of pines, lyiug at his feet, the I'ncanoonucs over- 
topping the hills farther to the north, Jo English, and fol- 
lowing around to west and south, the whole lange of distant 
heights and the wide valley with its faims and villages. A 
scene full of pastoial loveliness and peaceful c< nifoit. 

OVER I'ATCH HILL AND THE COUNTY I'.IIIIKiE. 

P'ollowing the Milford road to the top of the hill we find 
a road leading to the right, where a guide -post directs the 
wayfarer towaid Lyndeborough. That is our path. A 
shoit journey on this road brings us to the top of Patch 
hill. Pause here and look back upon the plain, and the 
blue line of distant hills. This far distant, hazy line of 
blue, is the nearest approach to a glimpse of the ocean we 
have hereabouts. Elsewhere our height is too great, or 
we are too near the hills to get this effect of a sea view . A 
little faither on the view facing the Lyndeborough nioun- 



•"^^ RAMBLES ABOrT A.MHEKST. 

t;iins is pleasiint. Up on our right we see ""( "hristian Hill." 
From up there, this view over the mountain at sunset, re- 
calls Pilo-rim's I^ioyress and the Delectable mountains.. It 
always seems to us that the golden light over there is moiv 
li([uid than the sunset on any other point. It reminds us 
of those ••sti'eets of gold," 

A little new Jerusalem 
Like to the one above. 

]>ut in a clear afternoon the color of rock and tree and field 
seems more vivid — -the distance enhanced by the dark belt 
of pines seems greater — the scraps of wood and open road 
seem more delightful u]) over Patch Hill, making it a pleas- 
anter drive than over the higher one. 

After pnxssing the berry farm of Benj. Wheeler, we enter 
a pleasant bit of overhanging wood, whose green twilight is 
I'efreshing in the summei' time. At the furthei' entrance of 
this strip, we cross a little brook : and right here stood tlic 
tirst iron foundery erected in this vicinity. .V portion of tlie 
old dam is yet to be seen. This low white liouse undi^- 
the great elms, was formerly the liome of a family of Wool- 
sons — graiulparents of Miss Constance Fenimore Woolsoii. 
It was one of this family, who planted the big elms on Am- 
herst plain, though the credit of having it done belongs to 
Dr. Spaulding. At the second cross of the roads is a build- 
ing, now used as a mill, a ]>oition of which \\as formerly 
the old villas'e school house. 

At the next intersection of the roads we turn sharply to the 
left and soon turn again to the right. We jiass the home- 



RAMBLKS .VIJOUT AMHEHST. r,9 

stea<l a.i.l family burial o-muu.l of the Hutchiusou faiuily 
of musual eeleln-ity. The next turn is to the left a.ul we 
so..,. aniNf at the County Bridge. Foi-merlv the river was 
forded at this point. ( 'onsidering how roekv its bed is, the 
bridge must liave been an accession greatly" rejoiced at by 
the nervous ones. Crossing the railroad track, xve lind ..ur- 
selves out on a broad, level road, shaded the gieater part of 
Its length by beautiful elms, which gives it its name- 
Elm street. This street leads directlv into Milford villaoe 
from the west. Jn Milford village we leave the conimoiz 
on our right, and are once again on the familiar road to 
Amherst. 

Other drives there are as beautiful as these. Some th.t 
«»tliers count more beautiful-but these are the Hrst that 
come to mind and the most frequently travelled-that drive 
to Mont.A^ernon. coming into Mont Vernon from thr north 
aud climbing Prospect Hill from which point there is the 
most extensive view to be procured : again, those drives 
to the Uncaiioonuc— to the Pulpit—to Purgatory- to New 
P.oston— all beautiful and full of the eharm of variety. We 
only mention those near home. 



MONT VERNON 



'The BEthlehEin of SauthErn Nb'w" Hainpshire." 



[From an article in the Fakmhrs' Cahinkt, Aug. 22, 1889.) 

MoKT Yeexon. tV»V nearly forty years past a laiiKtus 
Miinmer resort, lies a little southward from the territorial 
centre of Hillsborough county, being thiid in the tier of 
towns nortliAvaid fioni the Massachusetts line. It is oO 
miles fiom Boston. 2S fioni Concord and 15 from Manclies- 
ter. The neaiest laihoad station is Milfoid, 4 1-2 miles, 
with which it is connected by a stage line. It is emjihati- 
cally an upland town, the larger part being a lofty lidgc 
between the valleys of the south branch of the Piscataquog 
river on the north and that of the Souhegan on the south. 
The soil is locky, but deep and fertile, lepaying careful 
cultivation. It is well adapted to the apple, several thou- 
sand barrels being the annual product of its orchaids. and 
the winter apples groAvn heie have long been noted as un- 
excelled for their keeping qualities. The annual croj» of 
blueberries gatheied iidm its pastures is majiy hundred 
bushels. 

The highest elevation in Mont Vernon is Ivoby Hill, iji 
the northeast })art of the town near Jo's Pojid. other con- 
spicuous prominences are McCollom's Hill, o)i the norther- 



01 RAMBLES ABOUT AIMHEHST. 

ly line of tlie town, Beach Hill, and near the village, east- 
eily and sontheasterly, are Campbell's Hill and Prospert 
Hill. From the summit of the latter, which is a broad and 
pleasant plateau, at an altitude of 100 feet above the village, 
is obtained a prospect most varied and magnificent. An ex- 
panse of country forty miles in every direction, is seen with 
the naked eye. Hundreds of visitors are attracted thithei- 
every year to admire and enjoy the landscape which this 
noble hill presents to view. Cottages are in process of 
erection on the hill, and doubtless in the near future its 
whole area will be covered with elegant structures for sum- 
mer occupancy. 

Mont Vernon is on an eminence nearly 800 feet above 
mean tide water, with its church, academy and a number 
of its elegant residences resting on the brow of the hill 
looking southward upon a landscape stretching 40 miles 
away in beauty and grandenr. It has 42 dwellings built 
mainly upon one street. Here is the Bellevue House, a fine 
four story sructure, used as the village liotel, and accomo- 
dating 40 summer guests. F'our other large and handsome 
l)oarding houses will convene 130 guests. These are "-'Con- 
ant Hall," "Prospect House," "Hillsborough Honse," and 
the "Deanery." Aside from these are eight or ten commo- 
dious boarding houses, which with those already noted, fur- 
nish spacious and elegant accommodations for 300 guests, 
which is the usual number from the middle of July to Sept. 

The village, though small, is by common consent pro- 
nounced one of the most beautiful in New Hampshire, the 
elements of which are its well-kept, shady streets, and the 
are of neatness and thrift, not one of its dwellings being 
other than in a creditable condition and the grandly beau- 
tiful prospect it commands in all directions. It is often 
remarked that Mont Vernon is a good place to visit the 



RAMBLES ABtH'T AMHEItST. Cfl 

seco:iv.l season. The air is remarkably thy an;l In-aeiiiy. 
The best physicians affirm its purity and health-giviny 
properties are not to be excelled by any place in New 
Hampshire, which, with the liberal provision for the enjoy- 
ment and comfort of guests, induces the return of many 
year after year, and it has become known to thousands as 
a most delightful resort for seekers of liealth and rest. 

ft was in ISo") that F. O. Kittredge, then an active and 
enterprising citizen and still a summer resident, perceiving 
the advantages of the town as a summer resort purchased 
tlie old Ray tavern in the centre of the village, where is 
now the beautiful park, remodelled and enlarged it and 
fitting and furnishing it in an elegant and tasteful manner, 
opened it for summer company. For 13 years it was 
thronged in the hot season. In 1868 the pro})rietor en- 
larged and extended it to three times its former size, giv- 
ing it a height of four stories and a length of one hundred 
and forty-five feet surmounted by a cupola in the centre. 
As completed it was a stately and beautiful structure : one 
of the largest and best appointed public houses in New 
Hampshire. April 20, 1872, it was burned to the ground 
by a fire which commenced in the attic. Not being rebuilt 
its loss has been a severe blow to the prosperit}- and 
growth of the village. 

About two miles from the village, near the westeily line, 
is "Purgatory Falls," a remai'kable natural curiosity nmch 
frequented by excursionists from far and near. 

Fifty years since the village was a centre of considera- 
ble trade. Located on a leadingf thoronofhfare from Bos- 
ton to Vermont the tide of travel and transportation gave 
it life and stir and supported three stores and three tav- 
erns. Railway service has made the stage coach and six- 
horse merchandise waoon a tradition. In 1837 the build- 



'5-^ RAMBLES ABOUT AMHERST. 

iiig- which stood 56 years on the easterly side of the coin- 
luon fronting southward was removed westerly and entire- 
ly remodelled, so as to remove all semblance of the old 
structure, thougli the frame is the old church of 1781. 

The Post office here was established in 1813. Piior to 
that time letters for the inhabitants were distributed from 
Amherst. How is the anomally explained that the legal 
name of the office is Mount Vernon, and that of the town 
Mont Vernon, is a question often asked. It occurs in the 
fact that in 1869, Mr. Kittredge owned and occupied the 
grand summer house which was "The Mount Vernon 
Jlouse." It was desirable to him that the post-office, town 
and hotel should correspond in name, consequently a peti- 
tion to Washington brought a new name for the post-office. 
Hie town has never chosen to amend the unique and melo- 
dious name it has l)orne well nigh a century. 

The salubrity of the breezes which fan Mont Vernon is 
attested to by the fact which patient research has ascer- 
tained, that considerably over 200 persons, wdio were resi- 
dents of the town in 1820, or who have since lived here 
for the term of 25 years have reached the age of 80 years. 

The church lias existed here 109 years, 105 of which it 
has had a settled ministry. Mr. .John Bruce, from Marl- 
Ijorough, Mass., commenced preaching here in the summer 
of 1784, was ordained the following year, and continued 
his labors until his sudden death in 1809. The present 
pastor. Rev. .Johii Thorpe, is the 14th in succession from 
Mr. Bruce. The longest pastorate that has closed w-as the 
tirst of 25 years, and the shortest was the last of two years. 

In formei- years this town Avas noted more than now for 
its distinctive religious character. "Mount Zion" it has 
been irreverently called. The views of the controling ma- 
jority in the early history of the Parish are shown by the 



RAMBLES AHOUT AMHEIJST, t'»4 

record : '•March 2')tli. 17'.>2. Voted that the l)as.s viol l»e 
not carried into the meeting house to he used in time of 
exercise." 

An act incor})orating the town of Mont W-rnou was con- 
sumated hv the sig-nature of Gov. T. (iihnan, Dec lo. 
1803. The name of tlie town, (a comjionnd word signify- 
ing a mountain of verdure) was suggested ])\ the verdure 
of the farms wliich cluster ahout the eminence U]>on which 
the village is located. 

A conspicuous feature in Mont Vernon is its Academy, 
known as McCollom Institute. Nearly every autumn from 
1830 to 1850, there had been kept in the village a select 
school usually taught by a fresh college graduate. 

Enterprising citizens appreciating the many elements 
which marked the noble eminence as a desirable locality for 
public education, associated together and in June of the 
iatter year obtained an act of incorporation for a projected 
school, to be called Appleton Academy. Eight citizens of 
the town were trustees, and Dr. 8. (j. Dearborn, now of 
Nashua, was Secretary. The first term was taught in the 
fall of 1850, in the hall now known as the church vestry. 
As an evidence of the high hopes cherished by its founders 
for its success, is the fact tliey procured for its first term as 
teachers, two recent graduates from a New England college. 
one of whom is now a most respectable New Hampshire 
law3'er and his assistant is a most eminent })rofessor in New 
York city. In 1853 the fine building it now occupi^-s was 
erected, and in one year was free from debt. In 1871, (xeo. 
W. McCollom of New Yo"rk, in early life a resident of Mont 
Vernon, offered the institution f 10,000 in addition to its 
})ermanent fund upon the acceptance of certain conditions, 
which being acceded to it became "McCollom Institute." 
The institution has had an existence of 39 vears, duiino- 



H5 RAMBLES ABOUT AMHEKST. 

\v]iic]i lo g-eiitlemen have held tlie office of Priiicipal and 
a larg'e coi'ps of assistant teaehers, 1,H00 persons nave been 
enrolled as stndents. The attendance has varied from 25 
t() 125. Among' its notable })receptors has been Hon.Cieo. 
Stevens of T>o\\ell, deceased : Rev. Anonstns I^errv oi 
Pelhani : Principal C. F. P. B i leroft of Andover : Prof. 
W. H. Ray of Chicago, deceased, and Prof. C. S. Campbell 
of Deny. Its invested cash fund exceeding ■i?18,000 is re- 
s[)ectable, yet more would be acceptable. It has a most val- 
uable and extensive apparatus for the illustration of }>hys- 
ical science and a library of 4200 volumes. Among those 
who have enjoyed its advantages are many who in the learned 
professions are distinguished and in public service honored 
and hundreds more as really useful, often conspicuous, who 
are ready to testify their attachment and gratitude for the 
strength and lielp this institution has given them for the 
(•(inflict of life. 

PKi;SONAL. 

Most conspicuous among the citizens of ]Mont Vernon, 
was Dr. Daniel Adams. He came here from Massachusetts 
in 1818, at the age of 40, tlioroughly educated, and was 
engaged in the pre})aration of his various publications and 
in his profession here, luitil he removed to Keene, in 1846. 
His various arithmetics were in very extensive use for 
many years. During his 38 years residence in Mont Ver- 
non he wielded a controlling influence in behalf of temper- 
ance, education and morality. While here he represented 
tlie district two jears, 1889 and' 1840, in the New Hamp- 
shire Senate. 

Aaron F. Sawyer was a very respectalde laAvyer here for 
25 years from 1807, to 1882, when he removed to Nashua. 
He died there in 1846. He represented Mont Vernon 



RAMBLES AB<3UT A:S[HI-:HST. iW, 

from l>i27-it, three years, and was the oiilv lawyer ^^•ll<) 
practised liere for any length of time. 

Among those Avho left a record honoring the place of 
their birth may be mentioned the late Dr. William Trevitt 
of ("olundju-^. Ohio. Born in Mont Vernon in 1809. He 
prepared for his professioji in New England and emigrated 
to Ohio at 21, was retnrned to the General Assembly of 
( )lno at 26, serving three terms, was some five years ph}- 
sician to the Ohio Penitentiary : dnring the entire Alexi- 
can war was a distinguished snrgeon of the army, after- 
wards for four years Secretary of State of Ohio, V. S. Con- 
sul to \"alparaiso, So. Chili, and U. S. ^Minister to Pern. 
He died in 1881, esteemed by all parties, and after a very 
active and eventful life. 

(reorge Wilkins Kendall, born in Mont Vernon in 1809 
and dying in Texas in 18(^7. He was a "poet, journalist 
and farmer," and eminent in all. 

Oliver Carleton, P^sq., of Salem, Mass., born at Mont 
Vernon, in 1801, died in 1882. Educated at Dartmoutli, 
where he was a tutor, was 25 yenvs Master of the Salem 
Latin School and afterwards of a celel)rated })rivate school. 
As a che)nical scholar and tutor he was hardh' equalled in 
New England. 

Hon. Samuel L. Sawyer of Independence, ]Mo., oldest 
son of Aaron F., was educated at Dartmouth, studied law 
with his father, went west, and many years since located 
in Missouri, where he has been a judge of the Supreme 
Court and Representative in Congress. His younger 
brother, Hon. Aaron W. Sawyer of Nashua, was born in 
1818 and died in 1881 ; was frequently a ]nember of the 
Legislature, was Mayor of Nashua and a Judge of the Su- 
preme Jvidicial Court. He attained a high reputation as 



H7 RAMBLES ABOUT AMHEEST. 

H lawyer and jurist. Late in life he became interested in 
religion and preached the Gospel with zealous ability. 

Hon. George A. Marden of Lowell, Mass., over twenty 
years editor of the Lowell Courier, and widely known in 
journalism and politics, was 9 years clerk of the Massachu- 
setts House of Representatives, two years its Speaker, one 
year a Senator and now holds the position of Treasurer 
and Receiver General of jNIassachusetts. 

Hon. George A. Bruce of Somerville, Mass., is a Boston 
lawyer of assured reputation and lucrative practice both 
as counsellor and advocate. He was three years Mayor of 
Somerville, two years in the Massachusetts Senate and one 
year its president, and did he seek them could easily attain 
liigher honors. 

But space forbids mention of the hosts of other sons 
and daughters of the little town who have gone forth to 
careers of active usefulness and now are shedding by life 
and character lustre upon the place of their birth and early 
trainino". 



Is located ill the [)leas;iiit villa^-e of Mont Wmikhi. N. H., 
Ht'ty miles troiii Boston, on an elevation a tlionsand feet 
altove the level of the sea, eomniaiuling- an extended and 
\aiied })rospect. Its easy eonuuunieation with Boston, its 
pleasant walks and diives, and healthy location, I'eiidei' it 
one of the most desirahle pLiees in New England in Avhieh 
to spend the summer months. 




1 '' 



CoNANT Hall, Mont A"p:knox. [Open June to Nov.] 

Ample grounds with shade trees around house. Good stable and laun- 
dry . Visitors take the cars at the Boston & Lowell depot for Milford, N. IL 
thence by stage to Mont Vernon, four miles from the station. Four daily 
train: to and from Boston. 

If desired, shall be happy to furnish reference from among our numerous 
patr ons in Boston and vicinity. 

For further information call on Bragg, Conant & Co., i6 Washington St., 
A. Conant & Co., 73 Union St., Boston. 



Bellevue House. 

H/IONT VERION, N. H. 

Accoinoilates from 50 to 60, with large airy rooms, 

GOOD TAl'.LE BOARD. 



Pure Riv, ExtEnded Vje^^Sj 

G-nnd Rnadsj Shady DrivES, 

Hunting and FisMng. 



Onr i»riiu'ii);il nit.'aiis of iidvertisiuy is tliroiigli our pat- 
rons, ;iii(l refereures of tills kindare cheerfully furnished. 

'1'i-:i;ms : l-Jeg-ulnr honi'd '"sLno ^n-y ihy : iiansient i-des. 
!i<2,<M> lu-r day. 



W. p. WOODS, - Provnetor. 



NEW BOSTON, N. H. 

Open for Boarders from June 15tti to Oct. 1st. 



Wrv [)lcisaiitlv situated on high ground, t'onniuuuUiig 
ii h)veiy view : ten minutes walk from post-ot'lice, stores 
and \\'hi|)[)le Free Library, to which all visitors have ac- 
ces-,. (iood house, piazzas, hath room, shade trees, hanr- 
iiioi-ks, crixiuet, lawn-tennis, ete. : [liaiio and organ ; sitting 
and dini)ig room af)art from family. Near Kneanooiuu' 
Morntalns. Devirs Pulpit, Purgatorv, ete. All eountry 
lii\iu-ies. 'J'erms reasonal)le. For circulars address, 

AIKvS. S. I). Atwooi), New lioston, 
Hillshoro' County. New Hampshire. 

"The Greenwood." 

NEW BOSTON N. U. 

One of the most desirable places for sunnner boardi])g. 
( "harmingly hjcated in New lioston, upper village, on liigli 
groiuid, within few minutes walk of post office, stores, 
churches, \\du})ple Free Library, etc. Scenery luisurpass- 
ed, almndance of shade trees, piazzas, lawn-tennis and cio- 
(|uet grounds. Pleasant walks and drives in all directions. 
Peached by way of jNLmchester to Parker's Station, 
where i-oach connects twice a day with trains from Boston. 

^Ii:y. (iEoKOE GrvEKNWOOl). 

New Boston, N. H. 



-^f-Hotel Ponemah.^ 

I>. s. I'LUMMEK, Pi;oi'i;ii-.TOK. 




The house is handsomely furnislied, with latest modern improvements. Its san- 
itarian is perfect. To those who would add to the tonic of mountain air and the 
freedom of country livina; the comforts and lu.xuries of a first-class hotel, the Po- 
n^mah offers unrivalled inducements for summer residence. A large boarding and 
livery stable is connected with the hotel. The grounds include about forty acres of 
superb groves of oak, pine, maple and chestnut trees, and contain the celebrated 
I'onemah and Milford Springs. 

Ponemah water bottled at the spring is unequalled as a pure, healthful, sparkling 
table water, arid is furnished to guests free. 

Plans of hotel may be seen and rooms secured on application to Barnes & 
Duncklee, proprietors of Hotels Brunswick and Victoria, Boston, or to C. A. Glea- 
son. Hotel Victoria. 

Prices according to location of room. Special rates by the season or week. 

Address after June ist, D. S. PLUMMER, Proprietor, Amherst Station, N. H. 




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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 





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